The Programme for Local Economic Development through Enhanced Governance and Grassroots Empowerment (PLEDGE) aims to contribute to confidence and peace building efforts through the creation of sustainable opportunities centering on community-based enterprises. PLEDGE is to be implemented by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) under the supervision of the International Labor Organization (ILO) in 12 communities over a period of 24 months. A $2 million grant for the activity has been provided by the World Bank-administered Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF).

The World Bank, which administers MTF, is tasked with evaluating the impacts of PLEDGE. To facilitate rigorous evaluation, 10 of the 12 communities in which PLEDGE will be implemented will be randomly selected from a pool of 22 communities identified by the BDA. To separate direct and indirect impacts of PLEDGE in treatment communities, a sub-treatment group of five ‘idea teams’ will also be randomly selected from a pool of 10 eligible ‘idea teams’ in each treatment community. Data will be collected from members of eligible groups and a random sample of other villagers both prior to and after the implementation of PLEDGE. Impacts of PLEDGE will be assessed on economic outcomes, employment, business knowledge, socio-political attitudes, and enterprise development.